"Etiquette is not about
being 'stuffy.' It's about putting yourself forward in the best possible way, using courtesy and respect for others as your guide, while still allowing your own personality to shine!
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I enjoy working with
individuals, organizations and businesses of all sizes, helping amateurs and professionals alike
polish their ability to stand out among their competition.
Visit my website or contact me to find out how I may help you!
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Archived editions of Etiquette Awareness
are available on my website
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I offer tips, information & share useful articles; find me to find out more!
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My daughter, Olivia, attended a Sweet 16 party over the weekend. To be honest, I didn't know girls still held these, but I think that a young lady celebrating a birthday with friends, cake, and dancing in the local grange hall is a special event. Olivia told me she had a lot of fun but that a number of guests who had said they would be there were no-shows; apparently some were going to arrive after the school basketball game finished up, but didn't, and others decided to just not attend after all.
While she said the birthday girl didn't appear to be upset, there is no doubt that the thoughtlessness of her friends had to have hurt. These are friends -- people who supposedly like her, wanted to celebrate a special time with her, and told her they would do something with her ... and then didn't follow through. Disappointing? Yes. Rude? Although probably unintentional, yes.
Responding to an invitation is important. It provides the host with necessary information -- how much food and beverage will be needed, as well as seating and space requirements, parking concerns, and more. Responding promptly (within a week) is a courtesy; don't hold off because you want to see if something more interesting comes along. If you aren't sure of your schedule, say so -- a tentative response is preferable to no response. The host should not have to contact you to find out your plans.
And then follow through with your commitment. If you become ill or have an emergency, then yes, your absence is excusable. If possible, place a call to your host in advance to explain but if not, do so immediately after the missed event. Making a conscious decision to not attend is disrespectful of the host's efforts on your behalf, and may result in a lack of future invitations.
That's something to think about.
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Remember...
When it comes to your next invitation, stop and think before you decide to "skip it". Put yourself in the host's position -- how are your actions going to make the other person feel?
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Research shows that 85% of the reason you get a job, keep a job, and advance in a job is your soft skills, and whether you are interacting with people face to face, on-line, or by telephone, the details of how you present yourself matter. Would you like to take your professionalism to the next level? I can help -- join me for my upcoming classes:
Customer Service: It's An Attitude, Not A Department!
Thursday, 1/17/2013 6:00 - 8:00 $49
Office Etiquette: Life in the Goldfish Bowl Thursday, 1/24/2013 6:00 - 9:00 PM $49
Technology Etiquette-Details Count
Tuesday, 1/29/2013 6:00 - 9:00 PM $49 Presenting A Professional Appearance Thursday, 1/31/2013 6:00 - 8:00 PM $49 Make An Outstanding Impression Tuesday, 2/5/2013 6:00 - 9:00 PM $49 All classes are offered through Clark College in Vancouver, WA -- registration must be done through the school website. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. |
Jodi Blackwood
Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist
Speaker & Seminar Leader
"Etiquette is about polishing your approach,
not changing who you are."
mailto:jodi@jodiblackwood.com
360-798-4912 www.jodiblackwood.com
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